The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting a cooperative international project to assess the world's undiscovered nonfuel mineral resources. The Global Mineral Resource Assessment Project (GMRAP) is a research project that will develop and test methods of assessing the undiscovered mineral resources of the terrestrial earth. [more]

USGS has been chemically analyzing samples of geologic material such as rocks, soils, and stream sediments since shortly after it was established in 1879. The National Geochemical Database oversees three data sets: RASS (Rock Analysis Storage System), PLUTO (named for the god of the underworld from classical mythology), and NURE (National Uranium Resource Evaluation Hydrogeochemical and Stream Sediment Reconnaissance Program). [more]

A new, upgraded digital magnetic anomaly database and map for North American are the results of joint efforts of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and Consejo de Recursos Minerales of Mexico (CRM). The integrated, readily accessible, modern digital database of magnetic anomaly data will be a powerful tool for evaluating the structure, geologic processes, and tectonic evolution of the continent and may also be used to help resolve societal and scientific issues that span national boundaries. [more]

In April, 2002, the USGS opened its Alaska Science Center in Anchorage. The purpose of the center is provide greater focus on the wide array of USGS work being conducted in the state. USGS work in Alaska examines biologic, geologic, geographic and water resources, as well as geologic hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes. The USGS Mineral Resources Program will continue it's long history of studying the mineral resources of Alaska under the auspices of the new Center. [more]

The contamination of ground water caused by the leachate from mines and their tailings is a significant environmental issue for the minerals industry. Of particular importance is the behavior of leachate in fractured bedrock because the leachate in fractures may migrate at a high velocity. Thus, the first step in the isolation and remediation of contaminated ground water in bedrock is finding those fractures that have a high hydraulic conductivity. Some of this crucial information may be obtained with borehole seismic and radar methods. [more]